LET there be light! That's the message from councillors who found themselves full of early festive cheer when they agreed to fork out to illuminate the town centre.

Despite no backing from the town's private sector, councillors have decided to break from policy and fund a massive lights display across Preston town centre in a bid to brighten it up in time for Christmas.

And lights will continue to illuminate the town into the new Millennium, as Preston council leader Peter Rankin declared: "It's a one off. Let's give Preston a display that a city would be proud of."

Coun Rankin's bold statement was made at yesterday's (Wednesday) meeting of the town's policy and resources committee.

A report presented to the committee said that, as negotiations with the town's chamber of trade had resulted in no cash from the private sector, councillors should opt either to forget about a display altogether or agree to spend £20,000 for a small display in the town's civic centre.

Instead, Preston's three political leaders agreed that up to £40,000 should be spent on illuminating Fishergate for the first time in three years.

Town hall chiefs have refused to pay to light up the town's shopping streets since Telewest pulled out of sponsoring the lights three years ago.

However, according to Coun Rankin, this year is different.

He said: "This year is special so we think we should do something special and spend more money.

"It is regrettable that we can't encourage the retailers to spend large sums but perhaps they will think differently when they see how good this year's display is."

It is hoped that traders will help pay for the cost of a switch-on ceremony, which would attract thousands in to the town if the right celebrity visits.

Coun Ken Hudson added: "This is a one-off. If we want city status then we should lay on a display to that standard. We hope to cap the cost at £40,000."

Julia Horn, secretary of the chamber of trade, said: "This is wonderful news and totally unexpected.

"We are launching a publicity campaign to bring shoppers in and our traders are already spending £150,000 decorating their stores."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.